Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Science Education
Description: The Ph.D. degree in science education offers candidates opportunities to undertake in-depth explorations of current research and theory in science teaching and learning across the spectrum of K-16 education. Earning the doctoral degree requires 90-credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Doctoral candidates complete a core of educational research methods courses and specialized science education courses in learning theory, instructional design, pedagogy, curriculum design, and assessment. Students are required to complete significant coursework in one or more core science disciplines as part of the program of study. Each candidate must successfully write and defend a doctoral thesis that is based on original research and develops or extends the knowledge base in science education. What can you do with degree? This program prepares individuals to conduct science education research, teach science pedagogy and curriculum design, and create professional development programs for K-16 education. Graduates of the doctoral program in science education pursue a wide range of career paths, assuming K-12 faculty positions, joining teacher education faculties at major research universities or teacher preparation colleges, or combining K-12 and higher education faculty positions. The doctorate in science education is a highly respected credential for positions in school district administration. As a graduate of a university that emphasizes research and other forms of scholarly inquiry, you should be able to demonstrate your competence in research methods appropriate to your career path and exhibit functional familiarity with other commonly used research methodologies. Faculty in the school of Education expects all doctoral students to: understand the different conceptions of social sciences; be able to conduct and report research and/or other forms of scholarly inquiry, understand the process by which the results of research and/or scholarly inquiry contribute to a particular body of knowledge. Ph.D. students are required to take at least 12 hours of research methodology courses. The assumption is made that those studying for the Ph.D. will seek positions in research universities where they will be expected both to engage in their own research and/or other forms of scholarly inquiry as well as serve on the committees of students doing dissertations.Requirements/Description:
Apply:
Students who are interested in applying for admission are encouraged to explore the Department of Science Teaching website and schedule a campus visit to meet with faculty about their research and teaching interests. Applicants are required to complete the graduate program application available through the University’s Graduate School.
Funding:
The University offers financial support for students in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, scholarships and fellowships based on academic merit and available funding. Teaching and research assistantships typically provide support for students during the academic year, with limited summer funding available. Ph.D. students may also apply for grants to conduct research with SU faculty members. For additional information visit the School of Education web site.
Back to the top
Courses:
Total credit requirement: A minimum of 90 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree must be taken.
Major area credit requirement: A minimum of 45 credit hours in a major area must be taken (for students choosing to take a minor area as well, the minimum is 33 credits in a second major area). Your major area is selected in consultation with your advisor. It may include courses from related disciplines. Dissertation hours are not included among credit hours fulfilling the major requirement.